Anne Klein, spring 1999

What a fun idea to fill the platforms of these champagne leather banded slides with sparkling faux crystals! Too bad the company didn’t take the time to test the durability of the vinyl shell of the platform…the first time I wore these, one platform split open and the tiny beads trickled out! It was a sort of Hansel and Gretel event, with the shiny bits marking my shopping path in Soho!

Fortunately Neiman Marcus replaced these fun and funky Italian sandals; the second pair just doesn’t go long distances!

Popularity: 53% [?]

Technorati Tags: anne klein, Designer Shoes, sandals

Anne Klein, spring 1998

I bought these Italian slides as a starting point for an outfit to wear to an elegant spring wedding. Yes, I often start with the shoes or bags, or even a belt or pair of gloves. I definitely would style a look around a unique piece of jewelry. My clothes are typically simple, clean designs; this allows the accessories to star without the look becoming too cluttered. Also, this allows me to create more looks from my basic wardrobe…and have more money left for handbags!

So, back to the wedding…it was cancelled two weeks before the invitations were due to be mailed. My fashion event was certainly not of equal significance to that! The gold sandals just became incorporated into my wardrobe without leading to something new.

When you have a very specific design ideology (and strong personal style), and stay true to it when shopping, the elements of your wardrobe will always come together…at some point. (Shopping alert!  Don’t buy everything you like if it really has no place in your closet—be objective about your purchases! And call a friend with a hot tip if the item should really be in her closet!) When I found the Francesco Biasia Wave Tote I found a new counterpoint to these slides. The key element which brought them together is the color of the sandals—it’s a bit unusual, sort of a pinkish-cast warm gold—really nice with the warm metallic coral tote. Of course, both shoes and bag have a fresh, modern feel. So even though this is not the “wedding guest” look which I originally envisioned, it did find a place in my closet!

Popularity: 52% [?]

Technorati Tags: anne klein, Designer Shoes, mules, sandals, slides

Anne Klein Couture, late 1980’s

You can’t beat summer sandals! These vintage variegated black and white cord flats (amazingly) still look contemporary. They came from Bonwit Teller in Philadelphia shortly before its demise.  

Popularity: 13% [?]

Technorati Tags: anne klein, Designer Shoes, sandals, vintage